Knowing The Word in Luke 4:42-44, Jesus Preaches in Synagogues

Jesus refused to stay with the people who sought him even though he was wanted. He says he “must preach the good news of the kingdom of God.” This is Luke’s first mention of the kingdom of God, which is Jesus’ favorite theme in his preaching and teaching. Jesus’ coming has to do with the kingdom, of the rule of God coming among his people.

42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, 43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” 44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

Prayer:

O Lord my God,

teach my heart where and how to seek you,

where and how to find you.

Lord, if you are not here but absent,

where shall I seek you?

But you are everywhere, so you must be here,

why then do I not seek you? . . .

Lord, I am not trying to make my way to your height,

for my understanding is in no way equal to that,

but I do desire to understand a little of your truth

which my heart already believes and loves.

I do not seek to understand so that I may believe,

but I believe so that I may understand;

and what is more,

I believe that unless I do believe I shall not understand.

Anselm, 1033-1109